There’s a popular Tex-Mex chain here in town (Chuy’s) that serves a ranch dressing/dip that, upon tasting, invokes one of two responses:
– Pure bliss, while the angels sing and you bathe in their heavenly light
– Confusion, wondering what the hype is all about over extra salty ranch dressing
They call it “Creamy Jalapeno.” And you either think it’s the greatest thing ever or you don’t.
I love ranch dressing, but I still fall into the latter category. To me, there’s not nearly enough jalapeno in it to be called “Creamy Jalapeno.” So we took our favorite ranch dressing recipe and swapped out a few things to give us a more jalapeno-y dip worthy of being called Creamy Jalapeno.
It’s great on fish tacos (that’s what I always order at Chuy’s). Or as a chip/flauta/taquito/Mexican eggroll dipper. Or on salad. Or all over chicken enchiladas. And it has plenty of jalapeno to live up to its name!
Inspired by Chuy's, this creamy homemade ranch dressing gets a TexMex makeover with jalapeno, lime, and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sour cream (fat-free greek yogurt is a great sub)
- 3/4 cup mayo (I use light)
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 small bunch of chives (equal to ~2 Tbsp chopped)
- Small handful cilantro
- 1-2 jalapenos, seeds and stem removed
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk (optional)
Instructions
Notes
Yields: 16 2-Tbsp servings
Adapted from Homemade Ranch Dressing
Estimated time: 5 minutes
31 comments… add one
You keep it up with these photos and magazines are going to start calling and offering jobs. Seriously awesome shots Shawnda!
Combining two of my husband’s favorite things! Looks great.
I cannot wait to try this, I love the creamy jalapeno at Chuy’s and I was considering buying a bucket full for a shower I am hosting. Might have to go the homemade route now.
Ummm…yes please! Kyle and I are in love with the homemade ranch dressing and I couldn’t imagine it being any better. Guess I was wrong! The thought of dipping taquitos in it and smothering enchiladas with it may have just made my week. 🙂
“Pure bliss, while the angels sing and you bathe in their heavenly light”
Isn’t that the truth. Damn I love some Creamy Jalapeno Dip.
This sounds amazing! I would love it on avocado salad and I can imagine it is terrific on fish tacos!
Can’t wait to try this variation. I am already obsessed with your original Ranch recipe so I am sure I’ll love this!
Never heard of the restaurant, but I can’t wait to try this dressing. Looks AND sounds AWESOME!!! 🙂
I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to jalapenos, but this recipe sounds yummy. Especially as a nice change of what to put on fish tacos as you suggest. Thanks.
I love, love, love the Creamy Jalapeno at Chuy’s. When we visit Dallas, we’re always sure to stop there to eat and bring some home with us. It gets hotter the longer it sits!
I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Mmm, love this stuff! And love living in Texas ; )
oooo this looks delicious – i’m definitely going to need to make this ASAP!!
Oh my goodness, I love Chuy’s! This sounds delicious… even better than the original, I may say, because I agree that the real thing doesn’t really taste like jalapenos. Awesome idea.
Since moving to California, I’ve converted to liking fish tacos. Now I need to make this dressing to go with them!
YUMMY. I love Chuy’s! They have one in Birmingham that I went to while I was there 🙂 This Jalapeno Ranch look drinkable! 🙂
What a terrific dressing. I think I could eat it with a spoon. 🙂
I am a huge Ranch dressing fan, too, so I know what you mean about the heavenly angels singing. I cannot wait to make this!
I did not know that you could make Ranch Dressing better than it is but adding Jalapenos brings it to the next level. Can’t wait to try it!
The Dinner Belle for Kimberlybelle.com
Jodie
Yummy… I served it as a dressing to a Buffalo Chicken Salad. Also used it as a dip with crackers and as spread on sandwiches.
This would be a really tasty dressing!
A wonderful dressing, thanks for sharing!
Lauren
How long did this keep in the fridge?
A good week.
TK
Great recipe! I live Chuy’s creamy Jalapeno dip! Only thing is wish I didn’t put in was the buttermilk. I put in 1/4 c and it was too runny! Next time I won’t put it in.
Natalie
You are my new favorite!! Love your recipes and ideas!!
Very creative!! Great pictures too 🙂Linda Schuerman
I’d like to sign up for a newsletter, if you have one. Have I missed where to do that? Thanks
Beth
This is delicious, easy, and very much like Chuy’s!
Ruthanne
I am so happy to have found your website—I love it!!!! Everyone should have it on their favorites so they can just go there the minute they need something really Texan and yummy!!!!
AHHH!!! I could seriously drink this stuff. when I go to chuy’s, i get the jalapeno ranch to dip my chips in. weird? maybe. but i think… genius!
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